The Machrie in Scotland – the hidden World Top 100 course you must get to know

Matt Cooper
The Machrie's 17th hole
The Machrie's 17th hole

Another Place on the Isle of Islay in Scotland is not just any hotel.

The island itself is known as “The Queen of the Hebrides” and the hotel has a sensational location.

All around are those Hebridean views – the peaks of the rugged Rhinns behind, dunes and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, the brutal beauty of the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

There is a wild garden with Scandinavian hot tubs, cold tubs and sauna.

There are spa treatments available and a gym.

Outdoors you can hike, mountain bike, wild swim and enjoy wildlife.

You can eat Loch Gruinart oysters and Tobermory smoked salmon, and drink from one of Islay’s ten whisky distilleries, including Laphroaig, Bowmore and Ardbeg (visits available).

It’s sold itself already, really (it was voted Scottish Golf Hotel of the Year 2023/24), but there is also a magnificent golf course – The Machrie.

The Machrie's 7th hole
The Machrie’s 7th hole

It is so good that it was ranked 78th in Golf World’s Top 100 best courses in the world.

Located off the western coast of Scotland, it has an established reputation for this championship links course that carves through the dunes, with more of those stunning Hebridean and Atlantic views.

It is golf played as nature intended and was originally designed by Willie Campbell in 1891 before DJ Russell updated it in 2018.

When The Machrie was acquired by the Another Place hotel group and relaunched in 2024 it introduced a six-hole, par 3 ‘Wee course’, and The Hebrides, a 19-hole social putting course.

Between the three courses, The Machrie has everyone covered and this year it has three superb events lined up which offer the chance to enjoy the championship golf course in peak condition at a great rate.

The competitions feature a sociable shotgun start, two rounds over two days, and a bonus practice round on arrival.

Alan Martin, Golf General Manager says: “Whether you’re competing to win or simply here for world-class golf, stunning Hebridean scenery and a dram of Islay’s finest, these events offer the perfect blend of camaraderie and competition.”

You can extend the experience with a stay at Another Place, The Machrie, where event participants enjoy 20% off accommodation.

EVENT DETAILS:

Machrie Four-Ball Championship (pairs event, 25-27 April 2025, £144pp)
The Machrie Open (individual event, supported by Ardnahoe distillery, 27-29 June 2025, £144pp)
Machrie Team Championship (four-player team golf competition, 3-5 October 2025, £120pp)

For more information, click here

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